Healthy Homes Assessment Plimmerton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you have any idea that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effect on the 1st July 2021? Landlords must make sure that their Plimmerton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a renewal or new tenancy and all private rental properties are required to be fully conforming by the 1st July 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

• Draught Stopping
• Heating
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Moisture Ingress & Drainage

We can evaluate your rental property and determine whether it meets NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts requirements. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any tasks that requirements to be completed, and provide a report with all the information required for your tenancy contract’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord who is found to be not complying may be liable for up to $7200 plus any additional healthier homes related fines.

We are completely independent assessors of rental property, we are completely certified to evaluate both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, when a new or renewed contract is signed on a Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance tasks have to be completed by the end of 90 days.

From the 1st of July in 2021, when a brand new or renewed Tenancy is signed for a Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done by the end of 90 days.

Failure to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards within the deadlines can result in penalties of up to $7200. Additionally, if a present Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance isn’t included within an updated, renewed, or revised tenancy contract, it could result in an additional fine or infringement fee.

Any tenant can ask for details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the building they reside in. If the landlord or property manager fails to supply the information requested within 21 days from being informed of the request, they may receive an infringement notice and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there is also a fine of up to $900 for landlords or property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or information. The person who is responsible to pay this fine is the one who is identified on the tenancy agreement as being the person renting the property which could be the landlord’s name or the property management company.

All information in the Compliance Statement requirements to be accurate before the tenancy agreement can be executed, and it should be maintained throughout the duration of the tenancy when any relevant work gets completed.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that a landlord who own multiple rental properties may receive greater penalties for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved for severe breaches, and landlords with six or more properties can be fined up to $50,000, or as high as $100,000 in the case of hearing claims.

Clearly, failure to adhere to the Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account with huge fines, in addition to continuing to be required to comply with the requirements. Don’t risk your rental property Contact us now and ask us to conduct an home evaluation performed on your rental property.

Get the full description of this law. Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What are the reasons why Healthy Homes Compliance important?

One in three households from New Zealand and Plimmerton, and research shows us that these rental houses tend to be colder, older and have less efficient heating, and generally have lower quality than owner occupied properties.

The damp, cold and mouldy houses are linked to negative health outcomes, particularly ailments like colds and influenza, asthma, and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who reported four or more major home quality issues often suffer from low life satisfaction and reduced well-being.

The improvement in the quality of Plimmerton rental property will allow tenants to enjoy improved mental and physical health and reduce the disruption to work, learning and living because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better protected from mildew, mould and damp , which means lower maintenance costs in the long-term.

The Healthy Homes Standard is a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture ingress and Drainage, and Draught Control on Plimmerton rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss the Plimmerton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Plimmerton

Draughts can lead to dropping temperatures within households. A damp house will cost more to heat, which results in wasting money and energy.

If a draught can be felt through gaps that are too large or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unreasonable gaps and holes?

If you are able to feel external air coming in or the air is clear from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it’s most likely a gap or an opening that requirements sealing in the way you can. Large gaps and cracks should be stopped permanently. The gaps that exceed 3mm that let air in or out from the house require seals. For example, if an open fireplace isn’t in use it could cause draughts, and should be sealed from. Property managers and landlords are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed whenever possible.

You don’t require to block off gaps or holes in the building. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors could be required to allow for the movement of the building when the home gets warmer and cooler, to allow them to be closed and opened rather than sticking. We will check every window and door during the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Find the complete specifications for the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Adequate heaters are crucial for healthy homes

Heating Plimmerton

Plimmerton rental properties require a reliable source of heat which can warm the main or largest living space to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical health and mental well-being.

The source of heating requirements to remain fixed (i.e., not portable) and at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity and have the minimum requirement for heat capacity to heat the living space in general. The Heating Assessment Tool can be used to determine whether your current permanent heater(s) are sufficient or if you’ll need to "top up" by adding a second heater. Unflued combustion and open fire heaters, such as portable LPG bottle heaters are not considered acceptable heating options under those following the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), then it must have an thermostat. This makes the heating more uniform and efficient. For the majority of houses, bigger fixed heating equipment like wood burners, heat pumps pellet burners, flued gas heaters are required. However, in certain instances like small apartment buildings an electric, fixed heater may be sufficient.

If your main living space is already equipped with a fixed heating source such as an air conditioner, it might require some additional energy to meet the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the standard since they’re either not efficient, cost prohibitive to operate or are unsafe to operate.

Check out the complete details for details on Healthy Homes heating requirements.

Ventilation Plimmerton

Every living space of a rental property has to include at least one open door or window to offer natural ventilation. Additionally, areas with high moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms need to have an externally vented extractor fan to take moisture away.

It is the ventilation quality is all about recognising the fact that dry air will be much easier to heat and an apartment that is well-ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces like the hallway are not considered liveable , and thus don’t require an opening window or door.

Every window, door or Skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside, but remain set in an opening position to allow the circulation of fresh air and air flow.

The bathrooms in all kitchens and any other room in your home with shower, bath cooker or any other moisture-producing item will need suitable extractor fans that are vented to the outside. The Healthy Homes Assessment service will verify that there is enough air circulation in every living space with the right extractor fan in areas with high moisture.

Learn more about the Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A comfortable, dry home is a healthy home

Insulation Plimmerton

Underfloor and ceiling insulation is required to all rental homes since 1 July 2019. All landlords and property managers must make sure that the insulation meets standards that are in line with the latest quality. In some instances, current ceiling insulation, or the insulation of the subfloor space may need to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated property will reduce the risk of condensation and lower the chance of dampness and mould, and also makes much easier for the home to hold warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values that are appropriate for your region.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance and is a gauge of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, more effective the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9 Underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – all area of North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 and floor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Find out all the details about the Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Plimmerton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from moisture isn’t just about what’s inside the building but you must make sure there is somewhere for surface and ground water to go and prevent it from getting inside. When it is about damp and water, it’s typically not apparent that it can become a big problem and cause damage to your investment and harming the tenant’s health.

Rental properties need to be equipped with effective drainage to eliminate rainwater, storm water and ground water, which includes an appropriate outfall or runoff. Making sure the water has a proper place to go, and also that it isn’t allowed to remain beneath structures is a crucial aspect of making sure your property is dry.

In addition to a drainage system to prevent moisture ingress, if your apartment has an enclosed gap between floorboards and soil, a ground-water barrier must be installed if it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a sheet of polythene that is placed over the ground, in order to block any moisture present in the ground from getting into the property. It also helps in preventing moisture damage to the underfloor insulation.

Find out all the details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Plimmerton

The areas of rental property that are affected with The Healthy Homes Standards in Plimmerton include each:

• Living Room
• Bedrooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Plimmerton for Rental Properties

There are many things you should look for in an home review to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. A few examples are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier in place?
• Is the ceiling insulation in require of topping up? need topping up or replacing?
• Do you think the heating system has enough capacity?
• Is there adequate drainage and the draught is stopped?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with regulations under the Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being on the wrong side of a ruling on tenancy solutions ruling can be extremely costly for property owners and landlords. For specialist assistance, get in touch now and schedule your rental properties home evaluation.